Wellington Economic Profile

COUNTY OF WELLINGTON

July 2014

Economic Profile This document provides an economic update for the County and its seven member municipalities; Minto, Wellington North, Mapleton, Centre Wellington, Erin, Guelph Eramosa and Puslinch.

County of Wellington – Economic Development

County of Wellington

County of Wellington P R E PA R E D F O R S TA N DA R D A N D P O O R ’ S R AT I N G S S E RV I C E S

Contents 2013 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES..................................................................... 3 DEMOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW ................................................................................................ 4 Population .................................................................................................................................................. 4 Immigration ................................................................................................................................................ 4 Quality of Life ........................................................................................................................................... 5 Education .................................................................................................................................................... 5 Household Incomes ................................................................................................................................... 5 LOCAL ECONOMY ............................................................................................................... 6 Resident Labour Force ............................................................................................................................. 6 Unemployment Rate ................................................................................................................................. 6 Major Sectors ............................................................................................................................................ 7 Greatest Job growth by Industry 2012 to 2013 ............................................................................ 8 Sector Overview 2013: Agriculture ................................................................................................... 9 Sector Overview 2013: Manufacturing ............................................................................................ 9 Major Occupations ................................................................................................................................ 10 Business Size ........................................................................................................................................... 11 TOP EMPLOYERS ............................................................................................................... 12 COUNTY INVESTMENTS..................................................................................................... 18 MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS ................................................................................................ 19 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT ...................................................................................................... 19 BUILDING ACTIVITY .......................................................................................................... 20 Residential Development Activity ....................................................................................................... 20 Commercial Industrial Development Activity .................................................................................... 22 Agricultural Development Activity ...................................................................................................... 22 LOCAL BUSINESS RESULTS ................................................................................................ 23

County of Wellington – Economic Development - Page 1

County of Wellington

2013 represented a good year for the local economy as per the Business Retention interviews as well as swift momentum in the development of the four focus initiatives within the Wellington Economic Development Implementation Plan. Solid partnerships with the seven municipalities, funding leveraged through the Province and political support from County Council have contributed.

Manufacturing, agriculture and health care continue to be strong sectors in the County with respect to activity and job growth.

Economic Development highlights for 2013 include the completion of the Workforce Strategy, the creation of a countywide business directory, the launch of the Business Retention Project and a sold out 244 seat Harvest Field Dinner as part of the Taste Real Local Food programme.

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County of Wellington

2013 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES 1. Utilizing $95,000 Ontario Ministry of Economic Development grant to assist with the Economic Development Implementation Plan: Four focus initiatives (Workforce Strategy, Business Retention and Expansion project, Economic Development webpage and Sector Investment Profiles).

2. Wellington Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) project: The County, together with the seven municipalities interviewed over 270 local employers to gain an understanding of the local business climate, Wellington’s competitive advantages and how to better support local business. The interviews were well received and the data and anecdotal information collected will shape all economic development activities ongoing. Employers from key sectors were interviewed: 62 manufacturing, 60 agriculture, 46 health care, 72 creative professional in addition to 10 transportation and 20 downtown businesses. The project was designed in August 2013, interviews were completed by February 2014. The County designed and managed the project and was responsible for coordinating a “retreat” where the results were prioritized with the municipalities and relevant local agencies. A countywide report was written in addition to municipality specific reports, all of which ended with an Action Plan. The County was recognized and asked to speak about its project at the 2014 International Business Retention Conference in Memphis. Most noteworthy, following the completion of the project in May, County Council had already approved a $175,000 BR+E Municipal Implementation Fund where each municipality may apply for up to $25,000 to implement community specific activities resulting from the project.

3. Employment land inventory, business directory and 4 Business Video Testimonials: to promote the County as an attractive and supporting venue for business, housed on the Economic Development landing page of the County.

4. The Municipal Economic Development Group: continues to meet monthly and provides an excellent platform for communication and learning for the municipalities in addition to provincial partners and local agencies which are regular attendees.

5. The Taste Real Field Dinner: a fall harvest meal involving local chefs and produce, for the first time had a waiting list for the sold out 244 seat event. This year features included celebrity chef Lynn Crawford, live music, great food and drink as well as fantastic media coverage promoting Wellington as a culinary destination.

County of Wellington – Economic Development - Page 3

County of Wellington

DEMOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW Population The population of Wellington County is 90,900. The population is projected to grow to 122,000 by 2031.

Population 2006 27,290

Population 2011 27,790

Population change 500

Population % change 1.80%

Households 2006 9,540

Households 2011 9,945

Households change 405

Households % change 4.20%

Erin

11,680

11,890

210

1.80%

3,810

3,955

145

3.80%

Guelph/Eramosa

12,640

12,890

250

2.00%

4,070

4,220

150

3.70%

Mapleton

10,320

10,400

80

0.80%

2,890

2,930

40

1.40%

8,910

8,680

-230

-2.60%

3,140

3,140

0

0.00%

Centre Wellington

Minto Puslinch

7,010

7,320

310

4.40%

2,340

2,535

195

8.30%

Wellington North

11,710

11,950

240

2.00%

4,240

4,450

210

5.00%

County of Wellington Wellington + Guelph Guelph

89,540

90,900

1,360

1.50%

30,030

31,175

1,145

3.80%

209,196

216,393

7,197

3.40%

119,656

125,493

5,837

4.90%

12,160,282

13,212,159

1,051,877

8.70%

Ontario

Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census adjusted for 4.75% undercount and 2011 National Household Survey adjusted for 4.1% undercount

Source: Statistics Canada National Household Survey 2011

Immigration The County departments of Economic Development, Housing, Child Services, Libraries and Settlement Services are each partners of the Guelph Wellington Local Immigration Partnership. This is a network of agencies and community members which focus on employment, English language training and community inclusion.

Each year between 2006 and 2011, approximately 700 newcomers immigrated directly to Guelph Wellington. Immigrants born outside of Canada represent 13% of the resident Wellington community and stem predominantly from Europe, the United States and East Asia. More recent immigrants to Guelph Wellington came from India, the Philippines and China. While most immigrants settle in Guelph, the number of recent newcomers in Wellington County has increased and typically come from other areas in Ontario.

Source: Guelph Wellington Local Immigration Partnership Progress Report 2013

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County of Wellington

Quality of Life Quality of life in Wellington was rated as excellent by 88% of BR+E respondents.

Education The County’s educational attainment is similar to that of its economic region of Kitchener-Waterloo-Barrie with only a slightly lower level of college and university graduates than the region in 2012. The presence of the University of Guelph and Conestoga College, and access to other post-secondary institutions in the region (e.g. Laurier University, University of Waterloo) is an enormous asset to the current and future training and workforce needs of Wellington County.

Wellington County Education Levels Percent Population Age 25-64, 2012 Kitchener Waterloo Barrie

9.8

23.9

23.7

Apprenticeship, trade or diploma University certificate, diploma or degree

Wellington 11.1 21.4

0

20

College or other non-university certificate or diploma

20.8

40

60

80

Source: Manifold Data Mining 2012 as per Wellington Economic Development Strategy

Household Incomes Median household incomes in the County are higher than provincial levels and also higher than its comparative regional economic group of Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge. Wellington is attractive to many professionals seeking a semi-rural lifestyle with nearby urban amenities and a quick commute.

Wellington County

Median HH Income 2008 Median HH Income 2010 % Change 2008-2010

$77,453 $80,286 3.66%

Ontario

$64,375 $67,246 4.46%

Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge $72,800 $77,040 5.82%

Guelph

$67,104 $70,004 4.32%

County of Wellington – Economic Development - Page 5

County of Wellington

LOCAL ECONOMY Resident Labour Force The resident labour force of Wellington stands at 48,405 people. Resident workers are predominantly employed in the following sectors: manufacturing, construction, health care, business services and agriculture. A breakdown per municipality is as follows: Puslinch Centre Wellington Wellington North Guelph/Eramosa Mapleton Erin Minto County of Wellington Wellington + Guelph Ontario

Labour Force 4,025 14,825 6,165 7,025 5,360 6,485 4,520 48,405 117,480 6,864,990

Source: Statistics Canada National Household Survey 2011

Unemployment Rate The May 2014 unemployment rate for Ontario is 7.4% which is slightly higher than the national unemployment rate of 7.0%. Wellington’s unemployment rate stands below both levels at 6.7%.

Wellington’s unemployment has been consistently lower in the last few years which together with higher than regional labour force participation rates show the County has an employable resident workforce.

From having recently interviewed 270 local business owners as part of the Wellington Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) project and from the Workforce Strategy, we are aware that our local economy has fared better than the economic region. The graph below illustrates the unemployment rate changes for the period of January 2009 to May 2014. For a more accurate picture, the rate removes the census metropolitan areas of its economic region of Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Barrie but retains the City of Guelph.

Employers noted the difficulty they experience attracting workers from beyond the County. 39% of businesses noted difficulty hiring due to lack of skills or too few applicants for posted positions. These challenges are due to both industry factors affecting all businesses as well as community factors, those unique to Wellington or the individual community. Positions sought range from accountants and dental assistants to sales and administrative support. In response, Wellington is organizing a Manufacturing Day

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County of Wellington

October 3, 2014 as well as looking at skills attraction opportunities with the Guelph Wellington Local Immigration Partnership and completing Sector Investment Profiles in 2014.

Unemployment Rate January 2009 to May 2014 10 8 6 4 2 Apr-14

Jan-14

Oct-13

Jul-13

Apr-13

Jan-13

Oct-12

Jul-12

Apr-12

Jan-12

Oct-11

Jul-11

Apr-11

Jan-11

Oct-10

Jul-10

Apr-10

Jan-10

Oct-09

Jul-09

Apr-09

Jan-09

0

The chart below exhibits the growth of jobs in Wellington which exceeds the growth in its neighbouring communities.

Region County of Wellington Guelph Cambridge Kitchener Waterloo

2009 Jobs 37,802 79,105 73,576 102,908 77,175

2014 Jobs 42,593 88,430 76,155 111,601 80,273

% Change 12.7% 11.8% 3.5% 8.4% 4.0%

Major Sectors 2014 total employment in Wellington stands at 42,593 local jobs, representing a healthy growth of 13% (compared with 6% in Ontario) over the last five years, despite the downturn in the economy.

Manufacturing continues to be a leading sector in the County, representing 17% of all local employment (7,184 jobs) and 14% growth (868 new jobs) between 2009 and 2014. This is followed by agriculture, health care, services and transportation.

Wellington - Sectors of Employment

2014 Jobs

% of Total Employment

Manufacturing Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting Construction Health care and social assistance Retail trade Transportation and warehousing Other services (except public administration) Professional, scientific and technical services Wholesale trade

7,184 6,074 4,065 3,933 2,974 2,342 2,306 2,191 2,054

16.9% 14.3% 9.5% 9.2% 7.0% 5.5% 5.4% 5.1% 4.8%

County of Wellington – Economic Development - Page 7

County of Wellington Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services Accommodation and food services Educational services Arts, entertainment and recreation Public administration Finance and insurance Information and cultural industries Real estate and rental and leasing Utilities Management of companies and enterprises Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction Total

1,939

4.6%

1,816 1,636 818 787 611 487 394 102 68 64 42,593

4.3% 3.8% 1.9% 1.8% 1.4% 1.1% 0.9% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 100.0%

Greatest Job growth by Industry 2012 to 2013 1. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing (548 new jobs) 2. Management, scientific and consulting services (232 new jobs) 3. Farms (208 new jobs) Three automotive parts manufacturers are currently completing expansions and the health of the sector is reflected in the year over year employment changes. Motor vehicle sales have rebounded strongly, hitting a record 1.8 million in Canada last year and a strong 15.9 million in the United States.

Wellington County – Job Changes per Sector Total Manufacturing Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting Construction Health care and social assistance Retail trade Transportation and warehousing Other services (except public administration) Professional, scientific and technical services Wholesale trade Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services Accommodation and food services Educational services Arts, entertainment and recreation Public administration Unclassified Finance and insurance Information and cultural industries Real estate and rental and leasing Utilities Management of companies and enterprises

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2009 Jobs

2014 Jobs

Change

37,802 6,316 4,334 4,098 3,249 2,804 2,387 1,982 1,886 2,154 1,677

42,593 7,184 6,074 4,065 3,933 2,974 2,342 2,306 2,191 2,054 1,939

4,791 868 1,740 (33) 684 170 (45) 324 305 (100) 262

1,801 1,509 955 795 409 491 334 293 80 148

1,816 1,636 818 787 750 611 487 394 102 68

15 127 (137) (8) 341 120 153 101 22 (80)

County of Wellington Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction Source: Employees & Self-Employed - EMSI 2014.1

101

64

(37)

The County’s positive economic climate was confirmed with 43% of BR+E interviewees that said they plan to expand within the next 18 months.

Sector Job Growth According to Economic Period 2006 to 2009 Construction Transportation and warehousing Health care and social assistance Educational services

2009 to 2012 Agriculture Manufacturing Health care and social assistance

2012 to 2014 Agriculture Manufacturing Transportation and warehousing

Other services (except public admin)

Health care and social assistance

Sector Overview 2013: Agriculture In the previous five years between 2009 and 2014, the agricultural sector has seen the greatest growth and lowest fluctuation in employment within the County. The County currently has 3,402 farmers and farm managers (up by 143 over 2013) which represents 54% of workers in the sector. 2012 farm cash receipts for Wellington farms totaled $685 million.

Local Ministry staff note that there no industries within agriculture are performing poorly, as there were with pork or beef in particular years. Wellington is distinct from other areas in the province in that it is more diversified, with dairy, beef, crops and niche products, which means it is more balanced economically. New barns and several expansions have occurred across the County for livestock farms.

Livestock typically employ more than crop businesses and much of the workforce growth is expected to be within the livestock industry.

The quality of the farm land, the agricultural business support services and the high concentration of agricultural activities within Wellington County make it an attractive place to not only invest in agricultural research but to put research into action. The University of Guelph’s Elora Research Station, which in 2013 constructed a new building at a construction value of $15 million, is a hub for crop and livestock research and it will continue to provide value-added, location specific research results to support the strong, growing and everchanging agricultural sector in Wellington County.

BR+E PROJECT END PRESENTATION WITH PROVINCIAL, REGIONAL AND LOCAL POLITICAL REPRESENTATION

Reflecting Wellington’s diverse agricultural sector, employers interviewed in the BR+E included producers, input suppliers, manufacturers and retailers. 64% of agricultural businesses (38 companies) indicated their sector was growing with 53% expecting to expand their business within the next 18 months. Reasons cited for expansions in both manufacturing and agriculture include increasing business levels and the addition of new product lines.

Sector Overview 2013: Manufacturing 54% of manufacturers expect their industry to continue to grow while a striking 70% expect their business to surpass the industry growth in projected sales. The manufacturing sector remains a fundamental sector County of Wellington – Economic Development - Page 9

County of Wellington

in Wellington and that despite the market crash of 2008/2009, Wellington has not witnessed closures beyond AO Smith, which compared to the rest of the province, is significant.

The County is aware of manufacturers who require skilled trades and are concerned of an education system which seems to deter students from entering that field of work. To assist with this, the Wellington Workforce Strategy, approved by County Council, includes a workforce attraction project as well as a Wellington Manufacturing Day October 3, 2014. This event coincides with International Manufacturing Day and will enable both students and job seekers to visit several companies to explore innovative manufacturing businesses in the area via a bus tour.

The chart below illustrates a healthy growth in jobs in the past two years, with the larger municipalities of Centre Wellington, Guelph Eramosa and Wellington North leading the way.

Change in Local Jobs 2012 to 2014 Centre Wellington Erin

Top Industries of Job Growth 332

Guelph/Eramosa

245

Mapleton

214

Minto

104

150

Puslinch

49

Wellington North County of Wellington

502

Farms, Motor vehicle parts manufacturing, Boiler, tank and shipping container manufacturing, Offices of physicians Other personal services, Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors, Remediation and waste services Building finishing contractors, Farms, Management and technical consulting services Farms, Animal food manufacturing, restaurant and eating places Farms, General medical and surgical hospitals, Taxi services, Plastic products manufacturing Agricultural wholesale, Management and technical consulting services, other personal services Farms, Motor vehicle parts manufacturing, Building finishing contractors

1,596

Major Occupations The chart below looks closer at the change in jobs within industries between 2009 and 2014, where 4,791 new jobs were created. The greatest job increases were seen in agriculture (1,740) manufacturing (868) and health care (684), while decreases were experienced in arts, entertainment and recreation (137) and wholesale trade (100). The trades and transport related occupations represent 19% of local jobs, followed by sales and services (16%), agriculture (13%) and business (12.5%).

The employment information below is categorized by occupation and provides a workforce-oriented view of Wellington’s local economy. The occupational breakdown is as follows: Wellington County - Occupations Total Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations Sales and service occupations Occupations unique to primary industry Business, finance and administrative occupations Occupations unique to processing, manufacturing and utilities Management occupations

Page 10

2009 Jobs

2014 Jobs

Change

37,802 7,971

42,593 8,063

4,791 92

6,663 3,919 4,919 3,482

6,948 5,683 5,360 3,843

285 1,764 441 361

3,230

3,407

177

County of Wellington Occupations in social science, education, government service and religion Health occupations Natural and applied sciences and related occupations Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport

2,522

2,778

256

1,801 1,798 1,089

2,419 2,134 1,208

618 336 119

Approximately 4,600 workers travel daily for work in Wellington from Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo.

Business Size Wellington is an entrepreneurial County, consisting of many small businesses. A total of (89%) of businesses have fewer than 19 employees. Examples of larger employers in the County include: Maple Leaf Foods, Target, Zehrs, Nestle Waters, Royal Canin, Cherry Forest, Con Cast Pipe, Linamar, Neuwland Feed, Husky Farm Equipment, TG Minto and Golden Valley Farms.

Wellington County Size of business

June 2010 Locations

June 2011 Locations

December 2012 Locations

December 2013 Locations

Total 6,687 7,838 1-4 Employees 1,517 1,793 5-9 Employees 513 606 10-19 Employees 306 355 20-49 Employees 184 203 50-99 Employees 49 60 100-199 Employees 30 30 200-499 Employees 14 12 500+ Employees 3 1 Data Source: Canadian Business Patterns December 2013

8,199 1,794 633 367 213 53 32 13 2

3,252 1,881 633 387 231 74 31 11 4

The Wellington Waterloo Community Futures Development Corporation (WWCFDC) provides business support services and financing to entrepreneurs and those wishing to expand their operations. The WWCFDC covers five of the seven municipalities within Wellington County.

In 2013, the WWCFDC advanced a total of 23 loans worth $1,705,843. Loans contributed to the launch of fourteen new businesses. Nine loans were utilized for expansions or new activities. Dominant sectors of activity include services, manufacturing, hospitality and freight.

County of Wellington – Economic Development - Page 11

County of Wellington

TOP EMPLOYERS Employers with over 50 employees remained stable with respect to number of employees since one year ago. New to the list includes for example Nature’s Palette; a landscaping business in Guelph Eramosa and Angelstone Farms, an international show jumping tournament venue led by Olympian Keean White.

It should be noted however, that Wellington consists of a higher number of businesses with less than 19 employees that are significant economic contributors, despite lower employee numbers. These businesses are considered small to medium and less vulnerable to fluctuations in the economy. It could be because of their ability to innovate and a horizontal management model, that they remain competitive, even when their industry does not.

New economic development activities have enabled communication between the County and business to receive reliable data on local businesses.

2014 Wellington Employers with more than 50 Employees COMPANY NAME

EMPLOYEE SIZE RANGE

LOCATION

SECTOR

Belwood Lodge & Camp

60 Seasonal

Centre Wellington

Recreational Camp

Canadian Tire Corporation

20 FT, 60 PT

Centre Wellington

Retail

Caressant Care – Fergus

95

Centre Wellington

Health care

Centre Wellington District High School

120

Centre Wellington

Education

Fresh Co. – Fergus

55

Centre Wellington

Retail

Grand River Raceway

110

Centre Wellington

Equestrian and Spectator Sport

Groves Memorial Community Hospital/North Wellington Healthcare Alliance

107 FT + 169 PT

Centre Wellington

Health care

Hunter Amenities International Soap Plant

65 FT, 12 PT

Centre Wellington

Manufacturing of consumer products

Jefferson Elora Corporation

400

Centre Wellington

Manufacturing of automotive parts

Page 12

County of Wellington

McDonald`s – Fergus

80

Centre Wellington

Retail – food

Nexans Canada Inc.

215

Centre Wellington

Manufacturing of electrical cables

OLG Slots

110

Centre Wellington

Casino

Polycorp Ltd.

160

Centre Wellington

Manufacturing of engineered polymer products

RR Donnelly

140

Centre Wellington

Business Forms Printing

Target

100

Centre Wellington

Retail

The Gund Co 59 (Canada) TGC Canada

Centre Wellington

Manufacturing of electrical and thermal insulation materials

Township of Centre Wellington

105 FT + 87 PT +48 Volunteer Firefighters

Centre Wellington

Government

Wellington Terrace Long-term Care Home

280

Centre Wellington

Health care

Zehrs Markets – Fergus

186

Centre Wellington

Retail

Angelstone Farms Inc.

50-99

Erin

Agricultural – Equestrian

Denny Bus Lines

120

Erin

Transportation

East Wellington Family Health Team: Erin Clinic

50

Erin

Health care

Erin District High School

59

Erin

Education

Foodland

55

Erin

Retail

Township of Erin

60

Erin

Government

Cargill Meat Solutions

300+

Guelph Eramosa

Meat Processing

Danby

100

Guelph Eramosa

Manufacturing of appliances

County of Wellington – Economic Development - Page 13

County of Wellington

Drexler Construction Ltd.

130

Guelph Eramosa

Construction

Eden House Care Facility Ltd.

85-90

Guelph Eramosa

Health care

Encora Enterprises/Nature’s Palette

59

Guelph Eramosa

Landscape construction and excavating

Ex-L Excavating

50

Guelph Eramosa

Construction

Fortress Trucking

76

Guelph Eramosa

Transportation

Gay Lea Food Cooperative

50-99

Guelph Eramosa

Manufacturing of dairy products

Herwynen Saw Mill

52

Guelph Eramosa

Manufacturing of wood products

Linamar: Ariss Manufacturing

300

Guelph Eramosa

Manufacturing

Meadowville Garden Centre

50

Guelph Eramosa

Agriculture – garden centre

Organic Meadow

50-99

Guelph Eramosa

Other Grocery and Related Products

Puresource Inc.

90

Guelph Eramosa

Manufacturing and distribution of natural wellness products

Sodrox

52

Guelph Eramosa

Distributor of chemicals

Walinga

200

Guelph Eramosa

Transportation

Guelph Utility Pole

50

Guelph Eramosas

Manufacturing of wood products

Drayton Festival Theatre Inc.

80-130

Mapleton

Arts and Entertainment

Mar-Span Home Hardware Building Centre

50 + 10-15 additional summer employees

Mapleton

Retail

Nieuwland Feed & Supply Ltd

60

Mapleton

Agriculture

Page 14

County of Wellington

Norwell Dairy Systems Ltd.

75

Mapleton

Agriculture

Rothsay

50-99

Mapleton

Agricultural recycling

The Murray Group

100

Mapleton

Machine shop and welding

Township of Mapleton 27 FT + 112 PT

Mapleton

Government

Wallenstein Feed & Supply

170

Mapleton

Agriculture

Brenmar Transit

62

Minto

Transportation

Caressant Care

98

Minto

Health care

Farm Fresh Poultry

67

Minto

Agriculture

Palmerston Hospital

71

Minto

Health care

Pike Lake Golf and Country Club

32 FT + 68 seasonal part time

Minto

Recreation

Royal Terrace

96

Minto

Health care

TG Minto

600

Minto

Manufacturing

Town of Minto

51

Minto

Government

UGDSB – Minto

158

Minto

Education

Wightman Telecom Ltd 85

Minto

Telecommunications provider

TCA Technologies Inc.

50

Puslinch

Manufacturing of industrial automation equipment

Barco Materials Handling Ltd.

130

Puslinch

Manufacturing of hardwood and softwood palettes, skids and crates

CasCade Canada Ltd.

170

Puslinch

Manufacturing of material handling equipment

Centaur Technology

100-299

Puslinch

Design and manufacturing of

County of Wellington – Economic Development - Page 15

County of Wellington

micro processor chips Cherry Forest Products

130

Puslinch

Manufacturing of lumber

Con Cast Pipe

150

Puslinch

Manufacturing of concrete piping

Edward Jones

100-299

Puslinch

Financial

Hammond Power Solutions

50-99

Puslinch

Manufacturing of dry-type transformers

Llewellyn Security

150

Puslinch

Security systems and technology

Maple Leaf Foods

80

Puslinch

Food Storage

Nestle Waters Canada

100

Puslinch

Manufacturing of soft drinks

North America Construction Ltd.

80

Puslinch

Construction

Pentalift Equipment Corporation

50-99

Puslinch

Manufacturing of loading dock and materials handling equipment

Royal Canin Canada Company

200

Puslinch

Manufacturing of dog and cat food

Russell Metals

50-99

Puslinch

Processing and distributing of metals

Schneider National

300+

Puslinch

Transportation

Township of Puslinch

15 or 95-100 with PT and firefighters

Puslinch

Government

TransX Group

50-99

Puslinch

Transportation and logistics

Tytan Glove & Safety Inc.

50-99

Puslinch

Manufacturing of safety equipment

Ontario Provincial Police

140

Wellington County

Police protection

Page 16

County of Wellington

Wellington County Libraries & Library Administration

88

Wellington County

Library

All Treat Farms

50-99

Wellington North

Agriculture

Birmingham Retirement Community Mount Forest

50

Wellington North

Health care

Canadian Tire

50

Wellington North

Retail

Caressant Care Arthur

85

Wellington North

Health care

Claire Stewart Medical Centre

50

Wellington North

Health care

Copernicus Educational Products

50

Wellington North

Manufacturing of educational products

Dana Long Manufacturing Ltd.

299

Wellington North

Manufacturing of thermal products

Foodland Mount Forest

75

Wellington North

Retail

Golden Valley Farms Inc.

80

Wellington North

Agriculture

Ivan Armstrong Trucking

59

Wellington North

Transportation

Musashi Auto Parts Canada Inc.

240

Wellington North

Manufacturing of auto parts

North Wellington Health Care

100-299

Wellington North

Health care

Quality Homes

150

Wellington North

Design and manufacturing of homes and cottages

Saugeen Valley Nursing Home

100-299

Wellington North

Health care

Solowave Design – Big Backyard

75

Wellington North

Design and manufacturing of outdoor living

County of Wellington – Economic Development - Page 17

County of Wellington

products Tim & Heather’s No Frills

80

Wellington North

Retail

Township of Wellington North

75

Wellington North

Government

Upper Grand District School Board

52

Wellington North

Education

Viking-Cives Ltd.

150

Wellington North

Manufacturing of snow and ice control equipment

Vintex Inc.

100-299

Wellington North

Manufacturing of coated textile fabrics

Waste Management of Canada

75

Wellington North

Waste collection

Source: Wellington Business Directory, Business Retention Interviews and June company calls.

COUNTY INVESTMENTS 

$1.25 million investment in renovations and enhancements at three libraries as well as a new courier van. Included in this is the complete renovation of the historic downtown Fergus library which will increase its size and place it as a landmark in the Town (total cost $5 million)



$12.9 million investment in roads and bridges to maintain a safe and efficient transportation network across the County.



$2.5 million investment in the County Long Term Care facility, including a $2.3 million roof replacement.



$7.9 million for a new OPP operations centre in Wellington North.



$30,000 investment in County Economic Development webpage, including business directory, business testimonial videos and resources.



$25,000 investment in countywide Business Retention and Expansion project.



$4.0 million investment for site servicing of the new Groves Memorial Community Hospital location on the 105 acre parcel of County-owned lands in Centre Wellington, which includes the hospital, museum, library, long term care facility and OPP headquarters.

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County of Wellington

MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS 

Mapleton: branding strategy ($8,500) and hiring of part time Economic Development Officer.



Centre Wellington: hiring of a full time Economic Development Officer and new Township website.



Minto: LaunchIt Minto Creative Business Incubator: partnership between the Town of Minto and the Minto Chamber of Commerce. Received $37,500 from Ministry of Agriculture for 2014 and 2015.



Investments in Town-owned industrial lands in Harriston and Palmerston are paying off for Minto.

A new car wash, gas station and Tim Hortons as well as expansions to a service/storage centre and an auto parts manufacturer will pose beneficial for the Town and County.



Wellington North: Community Improvement Programme in second of ten years has had 13 applications resulting in $110,000 in noticeable downtown improvements, leveraged by 78% coming from applicants. New Wellington North Farmers Market and participation in tourism events with its Butter Tart Trail and via Doors Open.

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT The Township of Mapleton has benefited from Mornington Communications fibre installation in Drayton, the largest project in the company’s history and a significant infrastructural improvement for the Town.

Landmark Group continues to make progress on the former Elora Mill to develop a 100,000sqft conference centre, luxury hotel, spa, condominiums and restaurant. This investment is attracting further interest from new complementary businesses, such as a brewery planning to renovate an existing facility to produce and retail downtown.

After a presentation from the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, some municipalities are participating in the Site Certification programme for international promotion of employment lands.

County of Wellington – Economic Development - Page 19

County of Wellington

BUILDING ACTIVITY Overall, between 2009 and 2013, the County has witnessed steady growth in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional permit construction values; a 20% increase over four years. New institutional activity includes the creation of Holy House in Erin, an Asian weekend retreat valued at $2 million as well as a church constructed in Arthur valued at $580,000.

Wellington Building Permit Values $ (000) $300,000 $250,000 $200,000

Institutional Industrial

$150,000

Commercial

$100,000

Residential

$50,000 $0

Residential Development Activity A total of 250 new residential building permits were issued in 2013 across Wellington, including 172 for new single detached dwellings. Centre Wellington issued the greatest number of permits in 2013 while Wellington North saw the greatest increase over the year prior. 71% of 2013 building permits issued for new residential units in Wellington County took place in settlement areas.

A lower number of residential permits were issued for new construction compared to 2012, mainly due to a lower number townhouses and condominiums. Municipal building officials note that permits to date meet or exceed those of the prior year and that lower numbers for 2013 can be attributed to the close out of certain subdivisions, where plans for new subdivisions are currently being reviewed.

Page 20

County of Wellington

Compared to 14 permits in 2012, Guelph Eramosa processed 194 residential permits for residential developments in 2013. Puslinch saw 205 permits at a value of $22 million in 2013, which was a growth of 12% over the year prior. One subdivision in Fergus is currently being serviced while another 1,000 unit subdivision is in the secondary plan stage and will be located across from the new hospital.

Building Permits issued for NEW Dwellings 2012 and 2013

Township of Centre Wellington Town of Erin Township of Guelph/Eramosa Township of Mapleton Town of Minto Township of Puslinch Township of Wellington North Wellington County

Single Detached Dwelling 2012 84

Single Detached Dwelling 2013

Non SDD development 2012

Non SDD development 2013

Total Issued 2012

Total Issued 2013

63

99

54

183

117

34 14

21 14

0 2

0 0

34 16

21 14

26

15

19

1

45

16

23 38

14 25

11 0

8 0

34 38

22 25

37

20

24

15

61

35

256

172

155

78

411

250

Consistent with declining household sizes across Canada (2.5 person average), shifts in household composition (one person households on the rise), an aging population and the increasing concentration of population in urban centers; medium and high residential developments have accounted for a rising share of new homes in the County.

New Residential Permits 100% 80% 60%

High (condo/apt)

40%

Med (semi) Low (single home)

20% 0% 2002-2007 2008-2013 2002-2013

County of Wellington – Economic Development - Page 21

County of Wellington

Commercial Industrial Development Activity           

Musashi auto manufacturing 25,400 sqft expansion $2.3 million, 25 new jobs University of Guelph Research Centre $15 million for a new building NR Stor $3 million new construction in the Harriston Industrial Park Tim Hortons Harriston renovation $464,000 Vehicle sales, showroom and service bays in Guelph Eramosa 33,000sqft Completion of Maple Leaf Foods 300,000sqft eastern distribution centre in Puslinch All Treat Farms completed their 21,951 sqft expansion in 2013, $1 million, 10 new jobs Planning and design underway for new emergency department and ambulatory care expansion at Louise Marshall Hospital Mount Forest, target 2017 completion Homestyle Flavours food products supplier completed $130,000 addition Metrolinx adding parking land and storage with potential truck repair garage Leslie Motors addition and renovation $300,000

Agricultural Development Activity Agricultural permit numbers and construction values continue to be strong year over year. As was noted earlier, many renovations to existing agricultural facilities were completed in 2013, such that a total of 216 permits valued at $18.9 million were processed during the year.

In Centre Wellington, for example, five new large dairy barns were constructed worth $1 million each.

Centre Wellington Erin Guelph/Eramosa Mapleton Minto Puslinch Wellington North Total

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Agricultural Permits and Values 2011

Agricultural Permits and Values 2012

Agricultural Permits and Values 2013

38 permits ($4,124,167) 25 permits ($2,147,500) 12 permits ($916,500) 99 permits ($8,743,800) 26 permits ($944,000) 3 permits ($239,000) 66 permits ($4,300,000) 269 permits ($21,414,967)

34 permits ($6,101,500) 27 permits ($4,727,500) 21 permits ($1,958,600) 109 permits ($11,367,237) 47 permits ($3,396,000) 5 permits ($388,000) 76 permits ($7,859,780) 319 permits ($35,798,617)

45 permits ($26,783,000) 17 permits ($2,603,700) 21 permits ($1,630,000) 95 permits ($8,817,927) 27 permits ($2,662,000) n/a 56 permits ($3,181,000) 216 permits ($18,894,727)

County of Wellington

LOCAL BUSINESS RESULTS The County committed to conducting 270 in person interviews with local companies in 2013, which provided a depth of information as well as sentiments from executives on why they decide to conduct business in Wellington.

The top rating factors for doing business in the community were as follows: Fire and police services, local community support, local and provincial road infrastructure, snow removal, local business support, workforce, availability of natural gas and adequate electricity.

When asked if there were product or service opportunities in the local economy, grouping all businesses regardless of geography indicated the following gaps:       

Office supplies Steel and other raw materials Small business financing and consulting Materials and supplies Restaurant options Information Technology support Grocery options

Commentary below is from County businesses on their perspective of the economic advantages for Wellington. The comments derive from results of all 270 recently completed in-person business interviews across the seven municipalities, representing the manufacturing, health care, professional services, agriculture, transportation and downtown business sectors.

Lots of growth in the area with a business dynamic. Being close to the 401 is convenient.

Moved into the area from Downtown Guelph into the rural area. It has been a terrific move for business.

Affordable prices of lease and land, good availability of storefronts and industrial lands.

New businesses coming in to the area. There has been a lot of new development in the last 8-10 years.

Scenic community with great residents and businesses.

Diversified workforce, easy to retain, availability of educated people and good employees.

Very supportive community!

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Jana Reichert BA, MSc Economic Development Officer County of Wellington janar@wellington.ca Tel: (519) 837.2600 ext. 2525 Fax: (519) 837.0285

County of Wellington – Economic Development - Page 23